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I wanted to provide an update regarding the theft of motor vehicles, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Neighbourhood Policing Update – Motor Vehicle Crime.
Chessington Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) has been actively addressing motor vehicle crime across Chessington North, Chessington South and Sunray wards.
Following a higher number of offences last month, we worked closely with the local response team to secure additional support, including a marked police vehicle conducting targeted patrols overnight in the areas most affected. This proactive approach has led to a significant reduction in offences over the past month.
However, analysis of recent reports shows that many of these incidents involved valuables being left on display inside vehicles, such as wallets, laptops and bags. These items can make vehicles an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
We would like to remind residents how important it is to remove all valuables from your vehicle or keep them out of sight. Taking this simple step is one of the quickest and most effective ways to prevent crime and reduce the likelihood of offenders targeting our area.
Chessington SNT will continue to carry out targeted patrols and work to keep our communities safe.
 We know that people can be concerned about the personal and financial impact of having their vehicle stolen, which is why we will pursue and arrest those who break the law. Please consider taking the following steps to keep your vehicle safe: Check that your vehicle is locked and secure every time you leave it. Thieves often look for easy opportunities to steal from vehicles. They will usually try the handles until they get lucky and find one that has been left unlocked. Keep your keys safe, out of view when at home and away from your front door. If you have a keyless entry vehicle, keep the key well away from the vehicle while at home and turn off wireless signals on your fob when its not being used. Consider putting the keys in a screened or signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check that it is still working every few months. Park your vehicle in a private garage if you can. If you don’t have access to one, try to park in a well –lit open space. Try to use public car parks that are part of the police approved Park Mark safer parking scheme. Secure your number plates with tamper resistant screws to avoid them being stolen and used by others.
If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
